Undergraduate courses offered by the Faculty
Bachelor of Psychological Science/Master of Occupational Therapy Practice (SZPSOT) – Melbourne (Bundoora)
Students who are interested in the study of psychology and in pursuing a career in occupational therapy may find this course attractive. The theoretical frameworks, empirical findings, and methodological techniques found in psychological science are likely to provide a good foundation for the study and practice of occupational therapy. The structure of this course permits in-depth study of psychology followed by a 2 year professional preparation program in the discipline of Occupational Therapy.
The Bachelor of Psychological Science (BPsySc) is a coherent program of core areas of study in psychology that includes the wide variety of areas that this discipline encompasses. In addition, there is opportunity to select from a wide variety of elective subjects, such as those focusing on biological and social aspects of behaviour, deemed desirable to a broad education in behavioural science. In addition to regular lectures by expert researchers and practitioners from across the different domains of psychology, the course is structured to provide weekly practical classes and small group work. These tutorial and laboratory sessions promote the integration of theoretical studies, the application of skills in the discipline and offer the opportunity for hands-on learning. This learning environment is further enhanced by frequent contact with tutors and lecturers, providing excellent academic support throughout the degree. In addition, students enrolled in the BPsySc remain part of a small selective cohort throughout the three years of the BPsySc degree.
The undergraduate program will take three years full-time or part-time equivalent and is not available as an off-campus (correspondence) course.
Course structure
Students wishing to enrol in the proposed programme of study will enrol via VTAC into a double degree called Bachelor of Psychological Science and Master of Occupational Therapy Practice. Students will complete 3 years of study of psychological sciences, graduating with a Bachelor of Psychological Science. In the fourth and fifth year students would be guaranteed entry into the entry-level Masters of Occupational Therapy Practice programme in the School of Occupational Therapy. Students will graduate with a Master of Occupational Therapy Practice (MOTPrac) at completion of the fifth year.
Below please find the core and recommended elective subjects for the Bachelor of Psychological Science.
(Full details of the subjects offered by the School of Psychological Science are available in the subject handbooks produced by the School in February of each year and the School website at www.latrobe.edu.au/psy).
First year (120 credit points)
Core subjects (75 credit points)
| Teaching period | Subject name | Subject code | Credit points |
|---|---|---|---|
| TE-SEM-1 | Psychology 1A | PSY1PYA | 15 |
| TE-SEM-2 | Psychology 1B | PSY1PYB | 15 |
| TE-SEM-2 | Statistics for Psychology | STA1PSY | 15 |
| either | |||
| TE-SEM-1 | Introduction to Behavioural Neuroscience 1A | PSY1BNA | 15 |
| and | |||
| TE-SEM-2 | Introduction to Behavioural Neuroscience 1B | PSY1BNB | 15 |
| or |
Any other first year biological science subjects totalling not less than 30 credit points.
Electives (45 credit points)
Students must choose three elective subjects at first year, typically two first semester subjects and one second semester subject. It is recommended that students take a sequence of two subjects from the same discipline to provide them with prerequisites necessary for second year electives. Students must examine available timetables to avoid any clashes with core subjects and to determine their eligibility for elective subjects. The following discipline areas offer relevant elective subjects: Business studies, legal studies, sociology and anthropology, politics, linguistics, Asian Studies, philosophy, computer science and computer engineering, mathematics or statistics, biological sciences and genetics. Students are encouraged to see course advisers for further suggestions.
Second year (120 credit points)
Core subjects (40 credit points)
| Teaching period | Subject name | Subject code | Credit points |
|---|---|---|---|
| TE-SEM-1 | Psychology 2A | PSY2PYA | 20 |
| TE-SEM-2 | Psychology 2B | PSY2PYB | 20 |
Electives (80 credit points)
Second/third year level subjects for which prerequisites have been meet to the value of 80 credit points chosen from subjects offered by any department.
Highly Recommended subjects:
| Teaching period | Subject name | Subject code | Credit points |
|---|---|---|---|
| TE-SEM-1 | Applied Neuroscience 3A1 | PSY3ANA | 20 |
| TE-SEM-1 | Counselling and Family Psychology 3A | PSY3CFA | 20 |
| TE-SEM-2 | Cognitive and Developmental Psychology 3B1 | PSY3CDB | 20 |
| TE-SEM-2 | Social and Community Psychology 3B | PSY3SCB | 20 |
Third year (120 credit points)
Core subjects (80 credit points)
| Teaching period | Subject name | Subject code | Credit points |
|---|---|---|---|
| TE-SEM-1 | Psychology 3A | PSY3PYA | 20 |
| TE-SEM-1 | Research Project 3A | PSY3RSA | 20 |
| TE-SEM 2 | Psychology 3B | PSY3PYB | 20 |
| TE-SEM-2 | Research Project 3B | PSY3RSB | 20 |
Electives (40 credit points)
Students choose third year level subjects for which prerequisite requirements have been met.
Highly Recommended subjects:
| Teaching period | Subject name | Subject code | Credit points |
|---|---|---|---|
| TE-SEM-1 | Applied Neuroscience 3A1 | PSY3ANA | 20 |
| TE-SEM-1 | Counselling and Family Psychology 3A | PSY3CFA | 20 |
| TE-SEM-2 | Cognitive and Developmental Psychology 3B1 | PSY3CDB | 20 |
| TE-SEM-2 | Social and Community Psychology 3B | PSY3SCB | 20 |
Key: 1 Not available in 2010.
Students will progress to the entry level Masters in Occupational Therapy Practice programme once they have completed the Bachelor of Psychological Science degree provided they have maintained a grade point average of 65% or above in their psychology degree.
Fourth year (120 credit points)
| Teaching period | Subject name | Subject code | Credit points |
|---|---|---|---|
| TE-SEM-S | Occupational Therapy: Foundations for Practice | OCT4FOT | 15 |
| TE-SEM-1 | Humans as Occupational Beings | OCT4HOB | 15 |
| TE-SEM-1 | Occupational Therapy: Enabling Change A (Aged) | OCT4ECA | 30 |
| TE-SEM-1 | Professional Practice A | OCT5PPA | 15 |
| TE-SEM 2 | Occupational Therapy: Enabling Change B (Adult) | OCT5ECB | 30 |
| TE-SEM-2 | Professional Practice B | OCT5PPB | 15 |
Fifth year (120 credit points)
Core subjects (90 credit points)
| Teaching period | Subject name | Subject code | Credit points |
|---|---|---|---|
| TE-SEM-1 | Occupational Therapy: Enabling Change C (Adolescents/Children) | OCT5ECC | 15 |
| TE-SEM-1 | Professional Practice C | OCT5PPC | 15 |
| TE-SEM-1 | Evidence Review | OCT5ERA | 15 |
| TE-SEM-2 | Advanced Professional Practice: Integrated Practice | OCT5APP | 30 |
| TE-SEM-2 | Professional Practice D | OCT5PPD | 15 |
Electives (30 credit points)
Students will choose 30 credit points of electives from within the School of Occupational Therapy clinical elective program.
Bachelor of Psychological Science/Master of Occupational Therapy Practice (Honours) (SZPSHO) – Melbourne (Bundoora)
Students must be enrolled in the Bachelor of Psychological Science/Master of Occupational Therapy Practice double degree (see above).
Course structure
In the Masters of Occupational Therapy Practice component of the course (years 4 and 5) students will be selected into the honours programme at the commencement of year 5. Students with a grade point average of 75% and above may be considered for the honours programme. The number of places in the honours programme each year depends on the availability of supervisors. The honours programme in Masters of Occupational Therapy Practice programme extends into the summer semester of year 6.
Fifth year (120 credit points)
Core subjects (105 credit points)
| Teaching period | Subject name | Subject code | Credit points |
|---|---|---|---|
| TE-SEM-1 | Occupational Therapy: Enabling Change C (Adolescents/Children) | OCT5ECC | 15 |
| TE-SEM-1 | Professional Practice C | OCT5PPC | 15 |
| TE-SEM-1 | Research in Occupational Therapy | OCT5ROT | 30 |
| TE-SEM-2 | Advanced Professional Practice: Integrated Practice | OCT5APP | 30 |
| TE-SEM 2 | Professional Practice D | OCT5PPD | 15 |
Elective (15 credit points)
Students will choose 15 credit points of elective study from within the School of Occupational Therapy clinical elective program.
Sixth year (45 credit points)
| Teaching period | Subject name | Subject code | Credit points |
|---|---|---|---|
| TE-SEM-1 | Honours Research Project | OCT5HRS | 45 |